It’s norm for artists to almost always have sketchbooks with them, just to document any inspirations and ideas that come. Getting yourself best sketchbooks is one of the ways to ensure your drawings are better and also durable.
Regardless of the type of art you are doing, quality sketchbook is important. Also crucial is perfect drawing tools. Here is the guide to choose good sketchbooks for satisfying drawing journey.
A List of top Sketchbooks to Buy for Good Drawings
What to factors to look for when choosing Good Sketchbooks
There is wide variety of sketchbooks in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose. Here are things to consider in getting ideal ones for excellent results:
Paper Thickness
This is crucial element and it depends on the nature of the work you are doing and medium you are using. Always go for right paper thickness, that fit your intended use.
Paper Color
Most of the times, white paper is the standard for most sketchbooks. Important thing to remember is that there are different grades of white. Go for the ones that make your work look more refined. The colors of the tools used may in great way influence the shade of white that you choose.
Size
Appropriate size depends on scope of work you want accommodated on one sketchbook. You may choose large one with many pages for art classes or home drawings. And a small one with few pages when on the move.
Binding
Go for binding that looks good, but most importantly that can allow you to easily rip out pages, should you require to display them elsewhere.
Cover
You may prefer a hardcover or not. The hardcover may help by providing a flat surface to work on, especially outdoors. And also forms protective layer for your drawings.
Medium
Choose paper that matches the kind of medium you utilize. For example, paper good for pencil sketches, may be very poor for watercolors. Read specifications before buying your sketchbook.
3 Best Sketchbook Detailed Reviews
1. Moleskine Art Sketchbook
Moleskine Art Sketchbook, Hard Cover, Large (5\\\" x 8.25\\\") Plain/Blank, Black, 104 Pages
4.8 / 5 (7,761 ratings)
$17.80 with 30 percent savings
Size and Color
Top Feature
Size
Top Feature
MOLESKINE ART COLLECTION: From sketchbooks and sketchpads to watercolor notebooks with heavy paper, to music notebooks with plain and pentagram pages, to storyboard layout notebooks, Moleskine\\\'s art collection of notebooks offer the quality you need.
DURABLE COVER & ELASTIC CLOSURE: Hold writing projects & notes in your Moleskine notebook with an elastic closure band & inner storage folders. Leather-like classic Moleskine cover & thick, ivory paper pages are perfect for writing with fountain pens.
GIFT QUALITY NOTEBOOKS: Moleskine planners, journals and notebooks come in hardcover or softcover and colors like black, red, blue, green and brown. The binding and cover have a durable finish, designed for daily journaling, writing and sketching.
DELUXE QUALITY PAGES: Moleskine\\\'s thick, ivory paper pages in a hardcover Moleskine notebook, softcover Moleskine notebook, cahier or volant journal, or Moleskine planner are perfectly textured for writing with a ballpoint pen, fountain pen, or pencil.
MOLESKINE QUALITY: We\\\'re dedicated to culture, travel, memory, imagination, & personal identity—both physical & digital. We bring this commitment to our notebooks, bags, apps & smart pens & notebooks.
One of the popular sketchbooks with artists and designers. Ideal for both novice and professional artists. It comes in two colors – black and scarlet red. It has smart hard-bound book layout with rounded corners.
Recommended if using dry media, since its papers are thick and smooth. It has 240 papers, giving enough space for your many drawings. And light weight, thus easy to carry around.
Pros
– High quality sketchbook
– 240 pages, thick and robust
– Great and durable cover
– Perfect for sketching, writing and drawing
Cons:
– Not appropriate for use with watercolors
2. Moleskine Art Sketchbook
Large Sketchbook 160 Pages Softbound Cover Sketchbook for Artists - Leather Drawing Notebook for All, Ideal for Ink, Water Color, Pen, Pencils | 7 x 10 inch Art Journal
4.6 / 5 (5,692 ratings)
$22.49
Size and Color
Top Feature
Product Info
Size
Small
Landscape Medium
Medium
Square Medium
Landscape Large
Large
Square Large
X-Large
Product Info
Brand
Leda Art Supply
Color
light beige
Material
Paper
Sheet Size
7 x 10 inch
Paper Finish
Smooth
Top Feature
Paper That Plays Nice: With 160 pages of smooth, cream-toned 81 lb paper, this sketchbook is your canvas for pencils, pens, inks, charcoal, and even light watercolor washes. It\\\'s like a spa day for your art supplies
Lay-Flat Luxury: Thanks to its stitched thread binding, this sketchbook lays flat, making two-page spreads a breeze. No more wrestling with pages that won\\\'t stay put
Soft Yet Sturdy Cover: The flexible, all-weather faux leather cover isn\\\'t just stylish – it\\\'s built to protect your masterpieces from the elements, whether you\\\'re sketching in a café or on a mountaintop
Handy Extras: An elastic band keeps your pages together, while the accordion back pocket is perfect for stashing reference photos, loose sketches, or that elusive eraser
Ready to Elevate Your Art? Whether you\\\'re a seasoned artist or just starting out, the Leda Art Supply Large Sketchbook is your ticket to creative freedom. Grab yours today and let your imagination take flight!
This is another awesome sketchbook choice for artists. It has a soft cover, thus very flexible and suitable for storage. It’s available in three sizes – smallest, which is easy to carry around. And medium and large sizes, giving enough surfaces for the artists to work on. Enjoy as your work on its 160 creamed-colored, good-quality pages
Pros:
– Available in Small, Medium & Large Sizes
– Waterproof, soft cover
– Good for designers, artists and animators
Cons:
– With its softcover, you easily bend the sketchbook. Thus, not ideal if you want to keep drawings straight.
– Not ideal if you want to sketch with markers
3. Strathmore Series 400 Sketch Pads
Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad, 5.5x8.5 inch, 100 Sheets - Artist Sketchbook for Drawing, Illustration, Art Class Students
4.8 / 5 (33,520 ratings)
$7.49 with 35 percent savings
Size and Color
Top Feature
Product Info
Size
9x12
11x14
14x17
Product Info
Brand
Strathmore
Color
White
Material
Paper
Sheet Size
5.5 x 8.5 inches
Paper Finish
Uncoated
Top Feature
Artist-Recommended Sketch Paper - Loved by artists for decades, Strathmore 400 Series Sketch paper has been the trusted friend of fashion designers, illustrators, architects & painters from the classroom through to professional careers
General Purpose & Heavyweight - Tackle sketch projects like figure drawing, illustration, and character design without worry of unsightly tears or creases; paper has a fine texture to grip pigment from pencil and charcoal
Use with Multiple Materials - Paper is intended for practicing techniques with graphite pencil, charcoal, pastel and other dry mediums
Easily Remove Sheets - Micro-perforated paper allows you to remove true-to-size sheets cleanly without accidently tearing artwork
100 Sheets - Plenty of room to practice! With sturdy wire binding and a chipboard backing, this sketchbook is a reliable companion whenever inspiration strikes, from the classroom to the park
Strathmore: The Artist’s Choice - Choosing an art surface is one of the most important decisions an artist makes in determining the outcome of their work. Artists choose Strathmore.
An excellent sketchbook, with 100-page pad of paper with fine-tooth surface. You have the option of buying it in a multipack or singularly. The paper is good quality, no so thick and not thin to tear off easily. Its spiral binding makes it for you as you can fold it back with ease, without wrinkling or tearing the drawings.
This sketchbook is made for general purposes, as the papers can withstand firm strokes of pencil with tearing. Thus, a good recommendation for both beginner or advanced artists who are trying out a new dry media technique.
Pros
– Durable cover
– Ideal for professional artists
– Papers perfect for color blending or fine details
Cons
– Less number of pages compared to others
Other Sketchbooks You should Consider for Good drawing experience
4. Art Alternatives Sketchbook
Art Alternatives Very Big Sketch Book
4.5 / 5 (3,220 ratings)
$49.19
Size and Color
Top Feature
Product Info
Size
Product Info
Brand
Art Alternatives
Color
White
Material
Paper
Sheet Size
12.5 x 10.75 Inches
Paper Finish
Uncoated
Top Feature
Paper
China
A whopping 600 Pages
75 lb. (110 gsm) acid-free, bright white paper
Materials sourced from sustainably managed forests
5. Canson Artist Series Universal Sketch Pad
Canson Artist Series Universal Sketch Pad, 5.5” x 8.5”, Side Wire Bound, 100 Sheets, (2-Pack)
4.5 / 5 (144 ratings)
Size and Color
Top Feature
Product Info
Size
Product Info
Brand
Canson
Color
White
Material
Paper
Sheet Size
5.5 x 8.5
Paper Finish
Texture Laid
Top Feature
2 pack of Canson Universal Sketch Pad
5.5-X-8.5-inch paper pad
100 sheets of 65 pound paper per pad
It is acid free
65lb paper weight
6. Pentalic Wirebound Sketchbook
Pentalic - 8.5\\\"x 11\\\" Hardbound Sketchbook, 110 Sheets, Black
